Russia has warned the United States and Turkey against proceeding with a planned shipment of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said documents released by the US Congress indicated that the proposed shipment could constitute a significant arsenal.
The reported weapons include 12 multiple rocket launch systems, more than 2,500 non-guided cluster munitions, 47,000 203mm cluster shells and 70 ATACMS short-range missiles.
Zakharova questioned the rationale behind the proposed transfer, asking who initiated the plan to re-export the weapons, how they would be transported and when the shipment would arrive in Ukraine.
She accused Washington and Ankara of adopting a biased position despite their stated interest in playing a role in efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict through political and diplomatic means.
According to the Russian diplomat, supplying additional weapons to Ukraine would not change the course of Moscow’s military operation or divert Russia from what she described as its preferred course of action.
She also warned that the proposed arms transfer could further strain Russia’s relations with both the United States and Turkey.
The Russian government has reportedly requested clarification from Washington and Ankara over the planned shipment, saying there is still an opportunity to reconsider the decision.
